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Rita Ora quits The X Factor

The X Factor is in crisis after Rita Ora announced her departure from the ITV talent show this morning, leaving a panel consisting of just Simon Cowell.

Cowell now has the mammoth task of finding three new judges, after Nick Grimshaw announced he was leaving in February and Cheryl followed suit to focus on her career last month.

Rita Ora first joined The X Factor in the summer of 2015, after previously working as a judge on rival talent search The Voice for BBC One. She mentored the ‘girls’ category during her one season on the show, and was the winning judge after her act Louisa won the competition.

An X Factor spokesman said: “Rita brought a great energy to the show last year and did a brilliant job mentoring the girls’ category, leading Louisa to victory.

“We wish her all the best with her music and film plans for the rest of the year.”

Ora tweeted: “I had a ball on @TheXFactor last year and will miss the team.”

Series 12 presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs have also departed The X Factor, although Dermot O’Leary has already been signed up to return for series 13 in 2016.